Capillary root zone irrigation system

ABSTRACT

A capillary system provides water, nutrient solutions and gases such as air to the root zone of plants. The system uses one or more conduits having perforations spaced apart therealong, with the conduits being held in pockets. The pockets are formed with an upper layer of capillary cloth and a lower layer of capillary cloth and/or a water impermeable material. The conduits are provided with devices for connection to a supply of water and the like. In use, the capillary system is buried to an appropriate depth in soil below the plants to be irrigated. The upper layer of capillary cloth is wet by the flow out of the perforations and serves to distribute water evenly to the roots. Valves are optionally provided to control flow through the conduits.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for the irrigation ofplants, in particular in one form to a subterranean system for supplyingwater, nutrient solutions and/or gases to the root zone of plantsgrowing in the soil and in another form to a system for supplying water,nutrient solutions and the like to pot plants.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Water resources are at a premium worldwide with governments budgetingsubstantial amounts towards water conservation both in residential areasand rural areas.

In response to this ongoing problem, systems have been developed toapply water directly to the soil surface around individual plants so asto minimise water loss. These systems involve sprays, micro-drips andthe like. However, water is still lost through run off and throughevaporation.

Other systems use capillary watering which is based on the supply ofwater into the subterranean soil. Water provided in this way movesupwardly in the soil by capillary action so as to enter the root zone ofa plant.

Unlike surface watering, capillary watering does not suffer as much fromloss due to run off or evaporation. Capillary watering is advantageousto the plant growth as the rate of water movement is slow enough toensure that most of the water is absorbed by the roots. Furthermore, themajority of the evaporation that occurs will be by transpiration of theplant foliage thus facilitating a greater resistance to heat stress.

Attempts have been made to use capillary watering systems for evenground over relatively short distances of up to 50 m, examples of thesesystems are BI-WALL TUBING (Registered Trade Mark), T-TAPE (RegisteredTrade Mark) and LEAKY PIPE (Registered Trade Mark). However, all ofthese systems suffer from two problems. Firstly, the perforations andsupply lines are prone too blockages from build up of algae, bacterialslime, soil colloids, particles and root penetration. Secondly, thewater is supplied only to the soil in the immediate pipe or channelenvironment.

Other systems such as Netafim, have been used for longer runs. However,these systems still suffer from the problem of only supplying water tothe roots in the soil area in proximity to the water supply pipe.Furthermore, these systems still have a tendency towards blockage in theoutlet orifices.

The present inventor has recognized both the advantages of capillarywatering while appreciating the difficulties inherent in the currentlyavailable systems. He has therefore sought to provide a capillarywatering system which overcomes or at least ameliorates the difficultiesof the prior art systems.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect, this invention consists in a capillarysystem for providing a fluid to the root zone of plants comprising oneor more perforated conduits sandwiched between an upper layer of acapillary cloth and a lower layer of a capillary cloth and/or a waterimpermeable material and a connection means for one end of theconduit(s) so as to allow for the supply of fluids, including water,solutions and/or gases thereto and optionally a fluid flow control meansfor another end of the conduit(s) remote the one end.

In a second aspect, the invention further consists a method forproviding a fluid to the root zone of plants comprising, disposing asystem which comprises one or more perforated conduits sandwichedbetween an upper layer of a capillary cloth and a lower layer of acapillary cloth and/or a water impermeable material and a connectionmeans for one end of the conduits(s) so as to allow for the supply offluids including water, solutions and/or gases thereto, and optionally afluid flow control means for another end of the conduit(s) remote theone end, within an area of soil below and in proximity to the root zoneof plants growing in the soil;

supplying a source of fluid including water, solutions and/or gases tothe connection means so as to supply fluid to the conduit(s); andadjusting the flow of fluid, optionally by operating the fluid controlmeans for the other end, so as to cause fluid to flow out of theperforations to thereby permeate the upper layer and provide fluidincluding water, nutrient solution and/or gases to the roots.

The capillary root zone irrigation system of the invention is notlimited in its application to supplying fluids to roots in sub-surfacesituations. This system may be readily adapted for use in providingwater, nutrient solutions and the like to pot plants.

In this particular form, a layer of weed mat is disposed over the upperlayer of capillary cloth. In use, pots are placed on the weed mat withthe supply of water, nutrient solutions and the like occurring bywetting of the capillary cloth which in turn supplies water to theunderside of the pots. Openings in the underside of the pots allow forthe water to migrate into the soil contained in the pots and hence theroots of the plants growing therein.

In its broadest form, the presence of the upper capillary cloth layerserves three prime functions. Firstly, the capillary cloth acts todistribute water over the entire layer thereof thus ensuring that wateris available to roots which are not in proximity to the perforatedconduit. Secondly, it acts to prevent root penetration into theperforations. Thirdly, it allows water to permeate the layer whilepreventing the movement of soil particles that might block theperforations in the conduit.

As used in this specification "capillary cloth" refers to a textilematerial that has the ability to distribute water and other fluids bycapillary action. Products satisfying this description are unavailableunder the generic name "geotextile".

In topographies where slopes are not so steep, a proportion of the lowerlayer will include a water impermeable layer. This layer will functionto retain water in the space between the two layers and around theconduit. Thus it will have the effect of minimizing water loss whilemaximizing the amount of water to be transferred to the upper capillarylayer and hence to plant roots.

Preferably the water impermeable layer will be disposed in an areaunderneath and adjacent the conduit. The actual extent of this layerwill be varied according to the soil texture.

For topographies where steep slopes are encountered, such as embankmentsadjacent highways, the presence of a lower water impermeable layer isundesirable as it would tend to contribute to erosion through excessiverun off. Accordingly, it is preferable to use capillary cloth alone asthe lower layer in these situations to minimize any erosion problemwhile at the same time seeking to maximize water available to plantroots through capillary action.

In all topographical situations, the invention will also facilitatedrainage.

This is so since in times of high rainfall, water will be able to passthrough the soil and collect in the system of the invention. Obviously,at such times, water would not be supplied to the system via theconnection means. Rather the fluid flow control means remote theconnection means would be operated to allow water to drain from thesystem.

In some situations the system of the invention may be advantageouslyused where sub-surface drainage capacity is required. For thesesituations, it is desirable to dispose the system in the soil so as toform a concave or dished shape. If the environment is sloping, water maybe readily drawn off for storage, recycling or disposal. In a relativelyflat environment, the water that accumulated in the system may beremoved by pumping.

The ability to perform a sub-surface drainage function using the systemof the invention is important as it will

(a) inhibit rise of water tables and associated salinity; and

(b) reduce periods of time that plants experience water-logging due toheavy rain or other factors.

This latter feature is of particular importance as water-loggingproduces oxygen starvation and adversely affects plant health andgrowth.

Desirably the perforated conduit will be dimensioned so as to slide intoa preformed pocket formed between the layers by, for example, stitching,sonic welding or gluing portions of the upper and lower layers. In thisway, a pocket may be formed that extends the full length of the layerswhich might be 50 m or more.

Perforated conduits may be formed into an array between the layers witheach conduit being spaced apart from adjacent conduits by an appropriateamount. As mentioned above, the use of a plurality of conduits in anarray like this may be achieved by an array of pockets formed in thelayers as described.

It should be noted that layers of a substantial area may be readilyformed with pockets and packed for transport along with rolls ofperforated flexible conduit.

Conduits may be formed from polyethylene, typically with sectionsranging between 18 and 75 mm. Perforations may be readily introducedinto these conduits so as to provide a flexible, long-lasting material.In this regard, it must be appreciated that the diameter may be variedaccording to the length of a run as well as within a run.

Typically, the width of a capillary system of the invention may rangebetween about 300 mm and 900 mm.

It will be appreciated that "units" of the system of the invention maybe joined end to end at the conduits to form more extensive root andzone irrigation systems.

Depending on factors such as topography, soil types, crop types andwater absorption rates, nature of soil drainage, climate rainfall andambient temperature, length of run and water quality, water volume andtime frame it is possible to provide a predetermined density ofperforations over the full length of the conduit, with perforations ofpredetermined and optionally varying sizes, so as to optimize the amountof water delivered to a particular site.

Of these factors, soil type and steepness and length of slope areparticularly important.

Soil type is important as it will govern the rate of transmission ofwater from the system of the invention through the soil above to theroot zone. Steepness and length of slope are important, for example,there may be no perforations in a conduit below the peak of a slope ifit is steep or short or the soil has a slow rate of uptake (perhaps dueto clay content). By contrast, a sandy soil with a rapid water uptake,or a situation where the slope is longer may require intermediateperforations located in the down-sloping portion of the line.

Similarly, an analysis of plant needs within a local environment takingaccount of factors such as soil physics and hydraulics, climate, watertable, length of run and the like will determine the diameter of theconduit selected together with the frequency, size and placement of theperforations.

In some cases, gas injection will also be a relevant factor. The use ofcomputer software to take account of these factors and drive a numericalcontrol machine to appropriately perforate the conduit is within thescope of the invention.

While a number of materials may be used to form the upper and lowerlayers, it is preferred to use geotextile which may be varied in widthand thickness as appropriate. In those circumstances where the lowerlayer is water impermeable, it is preferred to use polyethylene sheet.

For guidance, generally the perforations in the conduit will be at least0.75 mm ², preferable 3 mm ² or greater. Usually the perforations willbe circular, typically about 2 mm in diameter or greater. They may,however, be for example rectangular or any other shapes, being 1.5×4 mmor greater.

Generally, as a maximum, the perforations will be no greater than about25 mm².

A connection means is provided to permit the system to be brought intofluid communication with a source of the fluid. This may be readilyachieved by the use of a variety of well known plumbing connections andarrangements. For example, a flexible hose carrying water could beconnected to a conduit through an appropriate plug and socketarrangement.

Alternatively, a plurality of conduits could be interconnected at oneend so as to form a manifold with a single connection means beingprovided therein.

It is also within the scope of the invention to include a valve in thesystem of the invention to control fluid flow to a conduit. Such a valvemay be associated with the connection means or integral therewith.

At the end of a conduit remote the end to which fluid flows into thesystem, there may be provided a fluid flow control means. In one form,this may simply be a plug or stop which is either removable or fixed. Inanother form, it may comprise a valve.

It will be of course be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatelectromechanical valves and the like may be used to control fluid bothentering and leaving the system of the invention. Such devices areparticularly useful in maintaining control over remotely locatedinstallations of the system.

Similarly, it will be appreciated that various types of sensors may beused in conjunction with electromechanical valving arrangements toprovide an automated means for the maintenance of plants. An example ofan arrangement of this type would be the use of moisture sensors in thesoil controlling electromechanical valves in the fluid inlet side of thesystem.

Although the description has been largely directed towards the provisionof water to the roots, it will be appreciated that any fluid materialmay be supplied. Some fluids that may be supplied are nutrientsolutions, pesticide solutions, gases such as oxygen and nitrogen eitheralone or provided with the water or other solutions.

When water is to be supplied to the system, it may be drawn from avariety of sources such as dams, bores and rivers. In some cases, it maybe desirable to filter the water prior to supply to ensure that theperforations are not blocked. Generally, however, using the system ofthis invention, filtration is not expected to be routinely required orat least not as frequently as prior art systems.

In some circumstances, it may be appropriate to treat dam water or riversupplies with chlorine to reduce suspended solids size without causingchlorine toxicity. Alternatively chlorine could be introduced into thesystem and/or mixed with air to keep perforations clear from roots.

The ability to deliver nutrient solutions to the root zone is animportant difference and advantage over prior art fertigation(fertilizing irrigation) systems which rely upon overhead and/ormicro-irrigation methods. In these systems, the nutrients are applied tothe soil surface for plant absorption. However, because the nutrientsare applied to the surface, loss will occur through evaporation and runoff. Moreover, a poor soil structure will result in the nutrients beingheld on the soil surface or if the soil structure has large pore spaces,nutrients will be rapidly leached out.

It is also advantageous over subsoil systems as the system of theinvention either prevents or substantially limits the loss of nutrientsand water downwardly.

The most limiting growth factor in plants when all others are present isa fresh supply of oxygen to the pore space surrounding root hairs.Respiration in the roots requires oxygen for all cell building andenergy requirements for a plant. The respiration by-product is carbondioxide which if allowed to build up to excessive levels and replaceoxygen dramatically reduces plant growth.

For example, long term crops such as grapes suffer from soil compactionand degraded soil structure which causes a severe lack of oxygen andincreases in harmful anaerobic microorganism activity around the roots.

By contrast with prior art systems, the present invention can be used todeliver fresh air to crops especially row crops. This is achieved byintroducing air into the water to be circulated through the system. Inthis way, air may be readily supplied to plant roots in all soil texturetypes. Additionally, the presence of air in the water stream will assistto mimimise blockage of perforations in the conduit. The presence ofoptimal amounts of fresh air in the root zone encourages beneficialnatural microorganisms which contribute to the breakdown of organicmatter and release of essential soil nutrients while inhibiting harmfulanaerobic microorganism growth.

As well as air and oxygen, other gases such as nitrogen may be suppliedto roots for direct absorption. In this way, the need for additionalfertigation may be reduced.

Gases may be supplied into a fluid stream such as water, for example, byuse of a means such as a venturi in the water supply line or directpumping.

Alternatively, gases, being fluid, may be directly introduced in theabsence of another fluid using means such as compressors and sources ofcompressed gases.

The present invention may be widely applied in a range of applicationsincluding

vegetable row cropping

viticulture

fruit trees

forestry

turf (including farming and sporting areas)

erosion control banks

parks and domestic gardens

nurseries to deliver fluids including water, nutrient solutions andgases to the roots of these plants.

Moreover, since the invention may be effectively used over longdistances and uneven topographies, it may be practically utilized in allsites where plants are grown.

It should also be noted that the invention may be operated inconjunction with available systems which monitor environmentalconditions and automated through the use of solenoid valves and thelike.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Three examples will now be described with reference to the accompanyingfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitativeof the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a capillary root zone wateringsystem of the invention for use in agriculture, such as cultivation ofvegetables;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of another form of a capillary rootzone irrigation system of the invention for use in watering pot plantson a sloping site;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the system shown FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of a second form of a capillaryroot zone irrigation system of the invention for use in watering potplants on a level site; and

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the system shown in FIG. 4.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, the watering system (20) comprises a 25 mm diameterflexible polyethylene pipe (10) in which an array of perforations (11)having diameters varying between 2 mm and 4 mm have been formed in thewall thereof. Overlapping the pipe (10) is a layer of geotextilecapillary cloth (12) which is joined to an underlay (13) of geotextilecapillary cloth in a manner so as to form a linearly extending pocket(14). Joining may be effected by, for example, sewing or gluing thelayers (12), (13) along appropriately spaced apart parallel lines (15).

In the example shown, the pocket (14) extends throughout the length ofthe system which may be of the order of 50 m or more.

To assist in placing the pipe (10) in the pocket (14) a cord may beinserted into the pocket (14) during formation such that it extends thefull length. This allows for the geotextile layers to be folded andtransported separately to the perforated pipe (10). On site, the cord isattached to one end of the pipe (10) and the pipe is then carefullypulled into the pocket (14) until it extends the full length thereof.

In use, one end (16) of the pipe (10) may be readily connected to avariety of standard fittings so as to facilitate the ready supply ofwater nutrient solutions, gases and the like. Such fittings may includevalves and the like to allow for the controlled introduction of fluids.

The other end (17) of the pipe (10) will generally be closed, preferablyby a valve. In this way, as appropriate, the valve may be opened tofacilitate drainage of water from a site.

As an alternative, the lower layer (13) may be formed from a waterimpermeable material such as a polyethylene sheet.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a capillary root zonewatering system (30) for use in watering pot plants on a sloping site.The system (30) comprises a planar sheet (31) of polyethylene over whichis disposed a planar sheet (32) of geotextile capillary cloth. Betweenthe sheets (31) and (32) is a polyethylene pipe (40) having perforations(43). The pipe (40) extends longitudinally of the sheets (31) and (32)with an inlet end (47) at the higher level and an outlet end at thelower level of the slope.

Perforations (43) are distributed along the pipe (40) with sufficientorifices to ensure adequate wetting of the sheet (32).

Overlaying geotextile sheet (32) is a sheet of weedmat (33) whichfunctions to suppress the growth of weeds on the system. It should benoted that a sheet of perforated polyethylene could be used in place ofthe weedmat.

In this particular example, water is supplied to the system by feedline(35), the flow of which into inlet (47) of pipe (40) is controlled by atap (36).

In order to minimize loss, water flowing out of outlet (48) is collectedin a drainage trench (49). This trench is formed in the underlaying soil(39) and is lined with a portion of polyethylene sheet (31) in the dishportion (46) continuing into the soil (39) at (45). Additionally,geotextile sheet (32) continues into the trench to (44).

To ensure that the system (30) is correctly located, a longitudinallyextending trench (42) is excavated in the soil (39) of a dimension toaccommodate pipe (40) and sheet (31) below ground level (37). This isfacilitated through the use of sand bed (41) which is disposed in trench(42) so as to support pipe (40).

Along the peripheral edges of the sheets (31),(32) and the weedmat (33)the polyethylene sheet (31) is folded over the weedmat (33) andgeotextile sheet (32). This is best seen in FIG. 3 at (38). Along thefold lines, clips (34) are used to hold the sheets in a folded state.

In use, pot plants are placed on the weedmat (33). Water is supplied tothe system via feedline (35) and tap (36) which when operated causeswater to flow into inlet (47) of pipe (40). Water flows out of pipe (40)through perforations (43) to wet the geotextile sheet (32), polyethylenesheet (31) acting to reduce loss of water to the underlaying soil (39).

Excess water flows out of pipe (40) at outlet (48) into drainage trench(49). Water collected in the trench (49) flows to a collection pond (notshown) for recycling.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a second form of capillary root zonewatering system which is similar to the form depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3but is for use in watering pot plants on a level site. For ease ofunderstanding, like features of the form shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 arenumbered the same as the corresponding features shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The principal difference is the means by which water is supplied to thesystem (50). Specifically, inlet end (47) of pipe (40) is disposedwithin a float tank (51) containing water (54). A water supply line (52)mounted on the float tank (51) is controlled by a float valve (53) in amanner such that as the water level falls in the tank, the valve (53)causes water to flow into the tank via line (52). Provided that thelevel of water in tank (51) remains at a level higher than the inlet(47), water will flow into pipe (40).

In all other respects, this form of the invention is the same as theform described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The present inventor believes that this invention has a number ofadvantages including:

substantial water savings (up to 70% of water used as compared withconventional systems)

reduction in erosion

reduction in leaching of salt, fertilizer and other substances intowater courses

reduction in salination of agricultural lands

reduction in weed infestation (weeds only thrive in circumstances wherewater is received through the soil surface)

improved provision of fertilizers to plants

avoidance of crystallization of nutrients on plants or in soil which canresult in burning through phytotoxicity

improved aeration of the soil and roots

ability to use low pressure water including gravity feed, suppliedeither naturally from water courses and the like or by above surfacetanks

longer life in situ

irrigation/fertigation is available immediately as required

reduction in labour requirement as the system may be readily automatedand prior art chemical treatments such as dosing with chlorine is eitheravoided or substantially reduced

improved soil structure through a reduction in tilling and encouragementof beneficial microorganism activity

reduction in plant stress

reduction in need for chemical fertilizers because of targeted deliveryand increase in other growth factors such as water and air

accuracy in placement of fertilizers, affording the ability to addspecific or individual nutrients to the plant roots and schedule thiswith growth and weather conditions.

reduction in need for pesticides.

These advantages lead to improved plant growth and reduced plant losses.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown inthe specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive.

I claim
 1. An underground capillary system for providing fluids to theroot zone of plants growing in soil, the system comprising:a conduitwith a plurality of perforations, said conduit sandwiched between anupper layer of a capillary cloth and a lower layer of at least one of acapillary cloth and a fluid-impermeable material; means for joining theupper layer and the lower layer so as to form a linearly-extendingpocket, the pocket retaining said conduit, the upper layer and the lowerlayer together forming a combined layer which extends away from thelinearly-extending pocket so as to provide a region consisting of saidcombined layer capable of moving fluids away from or towards theconduit; and a connection means for one end of the conduit so as toallow for a supply of fluids including at least one of water, solutionsand gases to the conduit.
 2. The underground capillary system of claim 1further including a fluid-control means for an end of the conduit remotefrom the one end containing the connection means.
 3. The undergroundcapillary system of claim 1, wherein said means for joining saidlinearly-extending pocket of said upper layer to said lower layerincludes at least one of stitching, sonic welding, gluing, and sewing.4. The underground capillary system of claim 1, the system furthercomprising:a plurality of conduits; and a plurality of pockets.
 5. Theunderground capillary system of claim 1, wherein each perforation in theconduit has a cross sectional area of about 0.75 to 25 mm².
 6. Theunderground capillary system of claims 1, wherein each perforation inthe conduit has a cross sectional area of about 3 mm².
 7. Theunderground capillary system of claim 1, wherein each perforation in theconduit is substantially circularly shaped with a diameter of about 2mm.
 8. The underground capillary system of claim 1, wherein eachperforation in the conduit is substantially rectangularly shaped withsides of about 1.5 mm and 4 mm.
 9. The underground capillary system ofclaim 1, wherein the cross sectional area of each perforation variesalong a length of said conduit.
 10. The underground capillary system ofclaim 1, wherein said cross sectional area of said conduit varies alonga length of said conduit.
 11. The underground capillary system of claim1, wherein said conduit is made of polyethylene.
 12. An abovegroundcapillary system for providing fluids to the root zone of a plantgrowing in soil in a container, the system comprising:a conduit with aplurality of perforations, said conduit sandwiched between an upperlayer of a capillary cloth and a lower layer of at least one of acapillary cloth and a fluid-impermeable material; a third layerpositioned above the upper layer, the third layer communicating with thesoil in the container; means for joining the upper layer and the lowerlayer so as to form a linearly-extending pocket, the pocket retainingsaid conduit, the upper layer with the third layer and the lower layertogether forming a combined layer which extends away from thelinearly-extending pocket so as to provide a region consisting of saidcombined layer capable of moving fluids away from or towards theconduit; and a connection means for one end of the conduit so as toallow for a supply of fluids including at least one of water, solutionsand gases to the conduit.
 13. The aboveground capillary system of claim12 further including a fluid-control means for an end of the conduitremote from the one end containing the connection means.
 14. Theaboveground capillary system of claim 12, wherein said means for joiningsaid linearly-extending pocket of said upper layer to said lower layerincludes at least one of stitching, sonic welding, gluing, and sewing.15. The aboveground capillary system of claim 12, wherein the thirdlayer comprises a weedmat.
 16. The aboveground capillary system of claim12, the system further comprising:a plurality of conduits; and aplurality of pockets.
 17. The aboveground capillary system of claim 12,wherein said fluid-impermeable material of said lower layer includespolyethylene.
 18. The aboveground capillary system of claim 12, whereineach perforation in the conduit has a cross sectional area of about 0.75to 25 mm².
 19. The aboveground capillary system of claim 12, whereineach perforation in the conduit has a cross sectional area of about 3mm².
 20. The aboveground capillary system of claim 12, wherein eachperforation in the conduit is substantially circularly shaped with adiameter of about 2 mm.
 21. The aboveground capillary system of claim12, wherein each perforation in the conduit is substantiallyrectangularly shaped with sides of about 1.5 mm and 4 mm.
 22. Theaboveground capillary system of claim 12, wherein cross sectional areaof each perforation in the conduit varies along a length of saidconduit.
 23. The aboveground capillary system of claim 12, wherein crosssectional area of said conduit varies along a length of said conduit.24. The aboveground capillary system of claim 12, wherein said conduitis made of polyethylene.
 25. A method for providing fluids to roots ofplants growing in the ground, the method comprising:disposing anunderground capillary system within an area of soil below and inproximity of the root zone of the plants, the underground capillarysystem comprising a conduit with a plurality of perforations, saidconduit sandwiched between an upper layer of a capillary cloth and alower layer of at least one of a capillary cloth and a fluid-impermeablematerial, means for joining the upper layer and the lower layer so as toform a linearly-extending pocket, the pocket retaining said conduit, theupper layer and the lower layer together forming a combined layer whichextends away from the linearly-extending pocket so as to provide aregion consisting of said combined layer capable of moving fluids awayfrom or towards the conduit, and a connection means for one end of theconduit so as to allow for a supply of fluids including at least one ofwater, solutions and gases to the conduit; and supplying a source offluids to the connection means of the underground capillary system so asto cause flow of the fluids away from the source through the conduit andcombined layer to the soil.
 26. The method for providing fluids to theroots of plants growing in the ground of claim 25, wherein theunderground capillary system further includes a fluid-control means foran end of the conduit remote from the one end containing the connectionsmeans, such that when the supplying of the source of fluids isdiscontinued, fluids in the soil in proximity to the undergroundcapillary system drain therefrom into the underground capillary systemand out through the fluid-control means.
 27. A method for providingfluids to the root zone of a plant growing in soil in a container, themethod comprising;placing a container having a means to allow fluids toenter soil contained therein on an aboveground capillary systemcomprising a conduit with a plurality of perforations, said conduitsandwiched between an upper layer of a capillary cloth and a lower layerof at least one of a capillary cloth and a fluid-impermeable material, athird layer positioned above the upper layer, the third layer beingadapted to allow the capillary system to communicate with the soil inthe container, means for joining the upper layer and the lower layer soas to form a linearly-extending pocket, the pocket retaining saidconduit, the upper layer with the third layer and the lower layertogether forming a combined layer which extends away from thelinearly-extending pocket so as to provide a region consisting of saidcombined layer capable of moving fluids away from or towards theconduit, and a connection means for one end of the conduit so as toallow for a supply of fluids including at least one of water, solutionsand gases to the conduit; and supplying a source of fluids to theconnection means on one end of the conduit of the aboveground capillarysystem so as to cause the flow of the fluids away from the sourcethrough the conduit, the combined layer, and to the third layer allowingthe transfer of the fluids to the soil in the container through themeans positioned therein.
 28. The method for providing fluids to theroot zone of a plant growing in soil in a container of claim 27, whereinsupplying the source of fluids is intermittent and fluids in thecontainer drain therefrom into the aboveground capillary system when thesupply of fluids is discontinued.